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Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
| SPRING |
SUMMER |
FALL |
WINTER |
Before Operating All General Power Equipment:
- Change spark plug if necessary.
- Clean or replace air filter.
- Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
- Change engine oil.
- Fill gas tank carefully to avoid spilling fuel.
Before Operating Lawn Tractors:
- Give battery a thorough charging before reinstalling after winter storage (check electrolyte level in each cell, first) . . . see owner's manual.
- Check electrical system for loose or dirty connections.
- Check sp ark plugs annually.
- Clean all old debris and clippings from cutting deck and attachments.
- Make sure tires are properly inflated.
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Before Operating:
- Change spark plug if necessary.
- Clean or replace air filter.
- Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
- Change engine oil.
- Fill gas tank carefully to avoid spilling fuel.
- Give battery a thorough charging before reinstalling after winter storage (check electrolyte level in each cell, first) . . . see owner's manual.
- Check electrical system for loose or dirty connections.
- Check sp ark plugs annually.
- Clean all old debris and clippings from cutting deck and attachments.
- Make sure tires are properly inflated.
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For End of Season Storage:
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the last fuel tank of fuel at the end of the season.
- Make sure the equipment has run with the stabilized fuel in it for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Run or drain gas tank completely dry of all fuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Disconnect spark plug wire.
- Remove spark plug, put a small amount of oil directly into cylinder, turn engine over with the pull start a few times, reinstall spark plug.
- Clean all dirt and debris from engine and machine.
- Store equipment in a dry, ventilated area.
- Store fuel can in a dry, ventilated area and never near a pilot light, stove, or heat source of any kind.
- If equipment features folding handles, fold them for more compact storage.
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Before Operating Walk Behind Snow Blowers:
- Fill tank with fresh winter-grade fuel before the snow season starts; test run to ensure dependable operation.
- Change spark plug every year.
- Change engine oil before cold weather and use recommended viscosity and grade for easier starting and engine protection.
- Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
. Regular Operation of Walk Behind Snow Blowers:
- Check shear bolts and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
- Run machine a few minutes after each use to prevent freeze-up of auger/impeller.
- Check belts for wear and tightness.
- Fill fuel tank after each operation to force moist air from the tank and to reduce condensation of water into the fuel.
- Keep tires properly inflated and add tire chains to increase traction.
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For Regular Operation of all Power Equipment and Tractors:
- Refer to the maintenance section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
- Dress properly for the job, wearing substantial shoes, long pants and close-fitting clothes (no loose jewelry, unrestrained hair or anything that could get caught in a moving part).
- Clear the working area before you start by picking up anything that could be thrown by the equipment or would block the equipment's operation. Then clear the area of people and pets. Watch ou t for young children.
- Never remove or tamper with safety devices and labels -- they're designed to protect you.
- Handle gas carefully. Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Don't spill when you fill and no smoking when gas oline is being used.
- Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
- With spark plug disconnected, sharpen tines, or remove and sharpen (or replace) blades in accordance with your owner's manual.
- Fill gas t ank to proper level, making sure not to spill fuel.
- Regularly check that engine oil is "Full."
- Regularly check all nuts, bolts, belts and screws for tightness.
- Check that engine cooling fins are clean with every ope ration.
- Regularly check that air filter is clean.
- Check mower deck for bolt tightness, belt wear, and blade sharpness.
- Check that tires are inflated to proper pressure.
- Make sure throttle control is properly adjusted.
For Repairs of Power Equipment:
- Refer to the repairs section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
- If you have any questions or are not comfortable repairing your own equipment, please contact your nearest outdoor power equipment servicing retailer.
- Before any repair, be sure to turn off the unit and disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never work on equipment while it is running.
8 Basic Rules For Outdoor Power Equipment Safety:
1 . Know how to operate the equipment.
Read the operator's manual before using any power equipment. Know where the controls are and what they do. Follow safety instructions.
2. Dress properly for the job.
Wear long pants, close-fitting clothes, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses.Don't wear anything that could get caught in moving parts (loose jewelry or clothing; be careful of long hair).
3. Handle gas carefully.
Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Don't spill when you fill. Store gas in an approved container in a cool ventilated area. Never smoke around gasoline.
4. Clear the area before you start.
Pick up rocks, twigs, cans, golf balls, anything that could be thrown by mowing equipment.
5. Keep children and pets away from the area until you're finished.
Never allow children to operate a mower. And never carry children as passengers on a riding mower.
6. Operate equipment carefully and follow recommended procedures.
Always turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before attempting to unclog or work on outdoor power equipment. When leaving equipment unattended, turn off the engine and remove key.
7. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Never work on equipment while it is running. Never remove or tamper with safety devices and labels... they're provided to protect you and your family.
8. Wear hearing protection.
When working with equipment that generates increased sound levels be sure to protect your ears. Wear hearing protection such as special earmuffs to prevent potentially damaging sounds from reaching your ears without eliminating the sounds you'll NEED to hear. So protect your ears from sounds that are too LOUD and too CLOSE for too long. |
- Never put hand in chute to unclog snow while operating ... Turn off the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and always use a stick.
End of Season Storage of Walk Behind Snow Blowers:
- Run machine a few minutes after last use to prevent freeze-up of auger/impeller.
- Disengage power to the auger/impeller when not in use.
- Run or drain gas tank completely dry of all fuel (or add fuel conditioner) outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
- Disconnect spark plug wire.
- Always refer to operator's manual for important details for extended storage.
- Store snow thrower in a dry, ventilated area.
- Store fuel can in a dry, ventilated area and never near a pilot light, stove, or heat source of any kind.
- If equipment features folding handles, fold them for more compact storage
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Engine Tune-Up Tips
How to Make the Air Cleaner While Keeping Your Lawn Greener.
Developing a regular maintenance schedule is the first step in helping to keep our air a little cleaner.
Air pollution comes from many sources. One of the smallest is exhaust and fuel emissions from gasoline powered engines -- the kind used in lawnmowers, riding tractors, string trimmers, tillers, and other types of outdoor power equipment. Another contributor is fuel spillage and evaporation.
Today the industry is doing its part to reduce air pollution by manufacturing new generations of outdoor power equipment that operate with low-emission engines and cordless electric power. You too can do your part by being "EarthWise" when using outdoor power equipment. Not only can you perform earth-friendly lawn and garden tasks like mulching and composting to nourish and beautify your lawn, but you can help to reduce air polluting emissions by handling fuel properly and keeping your equipment in good working order. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, here are some easy steps you can take to keep your power equipment more air-friendly. (Always check your operator's manual for specific recommendations on maintenance.) Otherwise, you may want to seek help from your local outdoor power equipment service shop.
- Change your equipment's oil seasonally and be sure to recycle the old oil.
- Replace the spark plug and air filter, and check for proper carburetor adjustment ... a properly tuned engine helps burn fuel more efficiently, thereby reducing emissions.
- Be sure to use replacement parts recommended by the manufacturer.
- Avoid gasoline spillage when you're refilling the tank. Also, keep fuel tanks and containers sealed tight, leaving room (approx. 3/4 full) for expansion.
- Tighten loose nuts, bolts and belts so that your mower runs a little quieter, too.
- For mowers, sharpen cutting blades and keep decks cleared of all grass clippings to further enhance performance.
- Replace old worn out equipment with the latest models offering low-emission engines that run 70% cleaner than 1990 models. Electric or rechargeable battery power is also available.
Rules For Mowing On A Hill
When you use a walk-behind mower on a slope or hillside, watch your footing. Mow across an incline and never mow an incline that is too steep for balance and control.
When you use a riding mower on a slope or hillside, be sure to mow up and down (except for zero-turn radius mowers) instead of across the hill to prevent the mower from tipping over! And, never carry passengers -- especially young children.
Proper Fuel Handling Tips
When Your Equipment Is Out Of Gas, Don't Spill When You Fill.
Gas powered mowers and chore performing outdoor power products like leafblowers, tillers and edgers are perfect time-savers for keeping our surroundings neat and green. But when it comes to the simple act of refilling equipment, gas spillage is often overlooked. You may not realize it, but careless refilling leads to spilled gasoline and evaporation, which releases hydrocarbon (HC) emissions into the atmosphere.
In fact fuel spillage and evaporation are responsible for up to one-third of all fuel emissions. Most of it we can prevent.
Don't leave your fueling habits up in the air. Remember these helpful fuel handling tips:
- Don't spill when you fill -- use a funnel or non-spill nozzle. And just take a little more time ... be a little more careful.
- Leave room for expansion -- fill gasoline containers and power equipment fuel tanks to only three-fourths full, so that tanks don't overflow from expansion that can result from temperature changes.
- Tighten gas caps -- when fuel cans or power equipment are not being used, tightened caps will prevent evaporation. Also, make sure both gas and oil caps are tight when equipment is tipped over for routine maintenance.
- Transport and store properly -- find a cool place out of direct sunlight to store fuel cans. Also, make sure the vent is tightly closed.
- Tune up for fuel efficiency -- a properly tuned engine helps burn fuel more efficiently, thereby reducing emissions. For mowers, sharp cutting blades and decks cleared of all grass clippings will also enhance engine performance.
There are many ways to be "Earth Wise" when using outdoor power equipment, and responsible handling of fuel is another contribution we can make to help our environment.
Consumer Guide To Environmentally Helpful Outdoor Power Equipment
Purchasing Considerations
Before you buy any piece of outdoor power equipment, you should first evaluate the overall layout of your property. This will help to define what maintenance tasks you'll need to perform and the type of equipment required.
Do you have a small lawn or many acres? Do you have a variety of trees, shrubs and flower beds? Are there hills, ponds, ditches, walkways or a long winding driveway? Do you have a garden? Will you want to mulch clippings or bag them? Is snow removal a consideration?
As you can see, there are many factors you need to consider regarding what types of outdoor power equipment are best for you. Taking an inventory of your property is a good first step.
When you are in the market to buy outdoor power equipment, look for engines labeled: This engine conforms to U.S. EPA regulations for small, non-road engines. The label is your assurance that the engine meets EPA regulations and offers substantially lower levels of air-polluting emissions compared to earlier models manufactured prior to 1997.
You'll find today's new generation of clean-running outdoor power equipment to be an enjoyable and convenient way to take pride in your lawn and landscape accomplishments. Use this guide to help you buy, and remember -- always "think safety and environment with power in your hands."
Understanding Horsepower Ratings
Q: What does the term "horsepower" mean?
A: "Horsepower" is a measurement of an engine's rate of doing work. Originally, the term horsepower was used by an engineer named Watt, who determined that a strong horse could lift 366 pounds of coal up a mine shaft at the rate of one foot per second. Over time, "horsepower" has acquired a technical meaning: a unit of power equal to 745.7 watts.
Q: How Is horsepower measured?
A: Engine manufacturers typically measure horsepower by operating a "bare" engine (e.g., one that is not yet equipped with accessories or installed in power equipment) at its "rated speed." The "rated speed" for most engines normally is 3600 RPM. The rated speed for engines used in handheld equipment is somewhat higher -- between 4000 and 12,000 RPM. Measuring a "bare" engine at its "rated speed" produces a number referred to as "gross horsepower."
Q: Can I expect my power equipment to achieve the same horsepower as the "gross horsepower ratings of the engine?
A: The actual operating horsepower is typically somewhat lower than the gross horsepower rating. For example, exhaust systems and air filters on the engine will generally reduce its power. Similarly, throttle govenors, which are used to maintain engine speeds under varying loads, also may keep small engines from operating at their "rated speeds" once they are installed in equipment.
Q: Will outdoor conditions impact the machine's actual horsepower?
A: They may. The horsepower of an engine installed in outdoor power equipment can vary depending on numerous factors such as heat, altitude, and humidity. Throttle settings and the resulting horsepower may also fluctuate depending on conditions such as thickness or wetness of the grass, for lawnmowers (and comparable variables for other types of power equipment). |
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